By Kendra Smith

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Lauren Potter, who plays the character Becky Jackson on the TV series “Glee,” spoke about her success in the acting world as an actress with Down Syndrome to students Thursday at the Center Theater.

As an active member of the Best Buddies program, which assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Potter is visiting schools across the country to promote an anti-bullying campaign to ban the use of derogatory words toward those with disabilities.

“I’ve been speaking to people to let them hear how bullying hurts and kills dreams,” Potter said.

Potter, age 24, has acted in “Glee” since 2009 and also acted in and produced “Guest Room,” a short film that has yet to be released.

“She’s very sweet and inspiring,” early elementary education sophomore Bethany Million said. “My favorite part was when she talked about everything on set — I am a huge fan of ‘Glee.’”

Potter shared personal stories about everything from experiences being bullied to filming on the set of Glee with a co-star who was in his underwear.

“My favorite episode to film was ‘Prom-asaurus,’ when the character Puck was in his underwear,” Potter said. “We had to ad-lib all the lines and the crew had to keep themselves from laughing.”

She kept the audience laughing as she referenced her work and personal life in her anecdotes.

As the question and answer session wound down, Potter prompted, “Are you sure you all don’t want to ask about my boyfriend?”

The audience laughed and the session continued as individuals asked about Potter’s relationship.

“She’s very funny and very well-spoken for somebody with her disability,” said Tyler Vinegar, a psychology freshman. “She had a hard time coming up, but she’s fine now.”

Potter also announced that she has been given the opportunity to be the ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympics. The games will be held in Los Angeles.

“I think it’s so important to make a difference in the world, and I’m so lucky to be making a difference,” Potter said.

Sarah Hoke, a biology and equine science sophomore at Midway College, was impressed with how far Potter has come, especially given the setbacks she has had to deal with.

“You can do anything, no matter what,” Hoke said. “Everyone has their own disability deep down. You just fight through it and you can be as successful as you want to be.”